The indigenous martial art of the Phillipines, escrima is sometimes also known as arnis or kali. Escrima utilizes either one or two short sticks ( usually 24-30 inches) and also progresses to empty hand techniques as well. American Escrima was developed by Shihan Dan Howard of Harlan, Ky. with input from Shihan Dan McCaslin. Shihan Howard studied extensively under Grandmaster Remy Presas (Modern Arnis) and also Arcenio Advincula (Kalirongan Largo Mano from Pangasinan province in the Phillipines). American Escrima is not meant to be a stand alone system but is intended to supplement the training of other martial arts such as Kempo, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, etc. Techniques taught include blocking, striking, counter attacks, disarms, locks, and chokes.